clear navigate_before

Chain stitch (drawn thread) icon
Chain stitch (drawn thread)

  • Knotted border stitch
  • Knotted clusters

Chain stitch in drawn thread work is based on traditional chain stitch, but worked over drawn threads.

A variant of chain stitch; for more information see the entry for chain stitch.

Chain stitch (drawn thread) is generously sponsored by Donna Bigg

Method

Chain stitch (drawn thread) method stage 1 photograph
1

Prepare for chain stitch by following one of the drawn thread removal techniques - see stitch entries ‘Drawn thread preparation’ or ‘Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges’ for further information and methods.

Chain stitch (drawn thread) method stage 2 photograph
2

In this sample, five threads were removed, and then overcast hem stitch was worked to gather the threads in bunches of two.
Cast on in the overwoven end, count over two bunches and take the needle down.

Chain stitch (drawn thread) method stage 3 photograph
3

Bring the needle up again in the first gap, below the first stitch.

Chain stitch (drawn thread) method stage 4 photograph
4

Take the needle down in the first gap, above the first stitch, leaving a loop.

Chain stitch (drawn thread) method stage 5 photograph
5

Count under two bunches and bring the needle up, inside the loop.

Chain stitch (drawn thread) method stage 6 photograph
6

Pull through to close the chain. Remember this is a chain stitch rather than a knot, so do not pull too tight.

Chain stitch (drawn thread) method stage 7 photograph
7

The finished sample of chain stitch.

Chain stitch (drawn thread)

Common uses

Chain stitch is lovely on narrow borders, but may also be repeated to fill a larger border.

Embroidery Techniques

References

  • Various Authors, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery (2018) , p.341